1 Kings 18 and 19

[sarah]

So I have been hanging out in the Old Testament lately.

I often return to this story because I find it fascinating. There are so many parallels to my life. I think one of the saddest verses in the bible is 18:21.

I then tend to chuckle at Elijah's taunts as the priests of Baal attempt in vain to get him to answer. (Interesting to note also that Baal was considered to be the god of the weather, and was often depicted carrying a thunderbolt.)

What I find most amazing though is 19:3. In the context and shadow of a recent victory, Elijah was afraid of Jezebel. 450 priests no problem, one queen... issues. It seems so familiar to me. I so quickly forget God's power and presence on my behalf. The last victory can seem very far away in the presence of our old foes. Kind of like that thing from your past that keeps jumping up to bite you.
I love God's response to Elijah's discouragement though. "go back the way you came"

[Josh]

Sarah,

Bob Dylan has this song that always makes me think of Elijah running away pouting into the desert, fearful because of Jezebel's decree that he be put to death. Think of the 'she' in the song as Jezebel:

Not Dark Yet

Shadows are falling and I've been here all day
It's too hot to sleep time is running away
Feel like my soul has turned into steel
I've still got the scars that the sun didn't heal
There's not even room enough to be anywhere
It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

Well my sense of humanity has gone down the drain
Behind every beautiful thing there's been some kind of pain
She wrote me a letter and she wrote it so kind
She put down in writing what was in her mind
I just don't see why I should even care
It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

Well, I've been to London and I've been to gay Paree
I've followed the river and I got to the sea
I've been down on the bottom of a world full of lies
I ain't looking for nothing in anyone's eyes
Sometimes my burden seems more than I can bear
It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

I was born here and I'll die here against my will
I know it looks like I'm moving, but I'm standing still
Every nerve in my body is so vacant and numb
I can't even remember what it was I came here to get away from
Don't even hear a murmur of a prayer
It's not dark yet, but it's getting there.

Bob Dylan

Copyright © 1997 Special Rider Music

I used this song last time we taught out of Kings (probably 7-8 years ago).

I think Bob himself has ended up at just that place, perhaps just before God shows up as he did for Elijah- at least that's my prayer.